By: GLENN D. TIPAY, EPS-II, SMN
Travelers Hotel, SBFC, May 2024 — The first “Custodian Connect” workshop, spearheaded by Sir Larry C. Lacanin, Administrative Officer IV, took place on May 16-17, 2024, at Travelers Hotel, SBFC. This event aimed to equip school property custodians with essential knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, thus minimizing risks and fostering a culture of responsibility within educational institutions. The workshop was a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen the competencies of school property custodians by providing a deep understanding of pertinent laws, regulations, and procedures related to supply management.
The first day of the workshop began with welcome remarks delivered by Juvimin O. Mustar, Administrative Officer V, emphasizing the importance of the initiative.
Larry C. Lacanin, who played a focal role in the event, then presented the statement of purpose, highlighting the goals of minimizing non-compliance risks and reducing audit deficiencies. Lacanin continued with an introduction to supply and property management, covering the policies and regulations that govern these areas. His sessions also included detailed discussions on the procurement process and inventory management/custodianship.
Michelle Ann Sarte, Accountant III, contributed to the day’s agenda with an insightful session on asset recognition, providing custodians with the tools needed to accurately identify and manage school assets.
The second day delved into more advanced topics, starting with Justin Charles C. Espiritu, Engineer III, who discussed asset disposal, outlining the proper procedures for managing the end-of-life of school assets.
This was followed by a presentation of best practices by Princess Joie S. Pangilinan, Administrative Officer II, who shared successful strategies and examples from other institutions.
The highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop focusing on the Report of Physical Count of Property, Plant, and Equipment (RPCPPE) and the Report of Physical Count of Inventory (RPCI). This session provided participants with practical experience in preparing these crucial reports, reinforcing the theoretical knowledge gained over the two days.
The workshop’s expected outcomes are ambitious yet attainable. Participants are anticipated to achieve proficiency in the laws and regulations governing school property and supply management, leading to a decrease in audit findings and deficiencies. This, in turn, will result in smoother supply and property management processes and enhanced financial and operational transparency within educational institutions.
Also, the training aims to boost the confidence of custodians in navigating complex supply management scenarios, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with compliance standards. The establishment of a platform for dialogue and resolution of prevalent issues also ensures that custodians can share experiences and solutions, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement. “Custodian Connect” has set a new benchmark in the realm of school supply and property management training. By empowering custodians with the knowledge and skills necessary to adhere to regulations and standards, the initiative not only minimizes risks but also promotes a culture of responsibility and efficiency within schools. The success of this event paves the way for future training sessions, ensuring that educational institutions can rely on competent and compliant property management practices.
